Lameness issues 4 yr old pony

Nonyabusiness

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I have a pony on full loan. chestnut mare 14:2 not not stocky but not dead skinny either. Shes of good weight and health. This last week she has gone lame on her front left foot, swelling round the fetlock and heat in the hoof. 3 days box rest swelling down heat gone. Let my daughter rider yesterday as she just learning it wasnt anything more than trot. In walk she seemed fine but on left rein she seemed to dragging her toe a little and stumbled a couple of times, shes also pulling her head down and coming back to walk which isnt normal. Ive also been told that she has gone lame with last owner on the same leg, but wasnt given box rest (last owner didnt have a clue, i loan off current owner as they cant ride her anyway) I felt her leg and hoof no heat no swelling appearing after being ridden, so thought maybe pony just being cheeky. This morning although no swelling hoof was warm round coronet band. She applying her full weight on it doesnt seem uncomfortable atm. But suppose what im asking is what can i do to try and prevent further bouts of lameness as daughter wants to start local shows and dressage this month. Are there any supplements or feed i could try perhaps?
 
If you do not know why she is lame you will not really know how to prevent it, a few days box rest may help her rest if it is a slight strain but it may not fully heal, it could be so many things that you really require a vet to diagnose and treat, especially if something similar has happened before, supplements will not cure a lame pony.
Has she seen a farrier recently, the tripping could be that she has long toes, she sounds uncomfortable if reluctant to trot and dragging her toe.
 
please get a vet to check, it could be anything small or big but only a vet can diagnose, riding a pony which is lame is cruel, whilst i am sure you are not intending to be cruel it just is.
 
Get the vet! No one can accurately diagnose a lameness other than a vet. Best getting it seen to now, the longer it is left with the wrong or no treatment, the more damage could occur.
 
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